Angled cartridge assembly for a dispensing device

ABSTRACT

Included are embodiments of an angled cartridge assembly for modifying a treating surface. These embodiments may include a reservoir for storing a treatment composition, the treatment composition for being applied to the treating surface. Embodiments may also include a body portion that is coupled to the reservoir, where the body portion comprises a base surface and a dispensing surface, where the dispensing surface is disposed opposite the base surface on the angled cartridge assembly, and where the dispensing surface is disposed in a nonparallel configuration relative to the base surface.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present application relates generally to a cartridge assembly for adispensing device and specifically to an angled cartridge assembly thatmay be utilized in a device that modifies a keratinous surface or othertreating surface.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Tonal variations on human skin have multiple causes. Acne, freckles, sundamage, and age spots are just a few of the common causes of visibledefects on skin. Textural variations such as fine lines, wrinkles andscars are also well known. Both tonal and textural deviations are highlynoticeable to the human eye, even when they are quite small. Coveringlarge areas of skin on and around deviations with makeup or otherconcealers is known.

Moreover, attempts have been made at more precise, and localizedapplication of compositions that hide or cover-up skin deviations.Handheld devices that are moved across the skin have been developed toapply skin treatment compositions to local defects. But these deviceshave been plagued by the absence of speed and accuracy. For thesehandheld devices to work effectively, they must find the defectsquickly, and treat them immediately. Finding a spot on the skin is oflittle use if the user has moved the applicator head to a different areaof the skin before the spot can be effectively treated.

Accordingly, a need exists to treat this issue. A need further exists toprovide a cartridge for such a device (and other types of dispensingdevices) that provides and facilitates the needed functionality for thedevice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Included are embodiments of an angled cartridge assembly for modifying atreating surface. These embodiments may include a reservoir for storinga treatment composition, the treatment composition configured forapplication to the treating surface. Embodiments may also include a bodyportion that is coupled to the reservoir, where the body portioncomprises a base surface and a dispensing surface, where the dispensingsurface is disposed opposite the base surface on the angled cartridgeassembly, and where the dispensing surface is disposed in a nonparallelconfiguration relative to the base surface.

Also included are embodiments of a device for modifying a treatingsurface. Embodiments of the device may include an image capture devicethat, when the device is positioned in substantially perpendicularconfiguration relative to the treating surface, the image capture deviceis disposed at an image capture device angle that is neither parallelnor perpendicular to the treating surface. Embodiments may also includea cartridge assembly that is coupled to the image capture device. Thecartridge assembly may include a base surface and a dispensing surface,where the dispensing surface is disposed opposite the base surface onthe cartridge assembly, where when the device is positioned insubstantially perpendicular configuration relative to the treatingsurface, at least a portion of the cartridge assembly is disposed at acartridge assembly angle that is different than the image capture deviceangle, and where the cartridge assembly angle is neither parallel norperpendicular to the treating surface when the device is positioned insubstantially perpendicular configuration relative to the treatingsurface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description describe various embodiments and areintended to provide an overview or framework for understanding thenature and character of the claimed subject matter. The accompanyingdrawings are included to provide a further understanding of the variousembodiments, and are incorporated into and constitute a part of thisspecification. The drawings illustrate various embodiments describedherein, and together with the description serve to explain theprinciples and operations of the claimed subject matter.

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a device for modifying a treatingsurface that utilizes a cartridge assembly according to embodimentsdisclosed herein;

FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of internal components of the devicefor modifying a treating surface, further illustrating the cartridgeassembly according to embodiments disclosed herein;

FIG. 3 depicts another perspective view of internal components of thedevice, further illustrating the cartridge assembly according toembodiments disclosed herein;

FIG. 4 depicts a side view of the device in operation with the cartridgeassembly according to embodiments disclosed herein;

FIGS. 5A-5E depict a plurality of side views of the cartridge assemblyaccording to embodiments disclosed herein;

FIGS. 6A, 6B depict a plurality of perspective views of the cartridgeassembly illustrating a plurality of internal components, according toembodiments disclosed herein;

FIGS. 7A, 7B depict components of the chip carrier and cartridgeassembly according to embodiments disclosed herein; and

FIGS. 8A-8E depict interaction of the cartridge with a cartridgehousing, according to embodiments disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments disclosed herein include systems and methods for a cartridgeassembly for a dispensing device. Accordingly, these embodiments may beconfigured to provide a locking key mechanism to ensure that thecartridge assembly is properly inserted into a cartridge housing.Additionally, embodiments may be configured with a blocking portion thatfurther ensures proper insertion into the cartridge housing. Thecartridge and cartridge assembly may be utilized in a device fortreating a treating surface, such as a keratinous surface, skin, hair,nails, teeth, tongue, wood, metal, ceramic tile, fabric, tabletops,polymeric surfaces, paper, etc. In these embodiments, the cartridgeassembly may include a reservoir for storing a treatment compositionthat is dispensed by the device onto the treating surface. As discussedherein, the treatment composition may include a paint, dye, cosmetic,medication, etc. In some embodiments, the treatment composition may bespecifically configured for application to the human body, as identifiedby a proper regulatory body, such as the Food and Drug Administration orother governmental agency.

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of adevice 100 for modifying a treating surface that utilizes a cartridgeassembly 102, according to embodiments disclosed herein. As illustrated,the device 100 may include a spacer component 104 that may be utilizedto provide a buffer between the treating surface (such as keratinoussurface, skin, hair, nails, teeth, tongue, tabletops, wood, metals,tile, fabric, polymeric surfaces, paper, etc.) and the dispensingmechanisms of the device 100. Also provided is a handle portion 106,which may be configured to ergonomically reside in a user's hand, whilealso concealing one or more internal components of the device 100.

Similarly, the cartridge assembly 102 may be configured as a removablysecured component that includes a reservoir for storing a treatmentcomposition. The treatment composition may include an ink, a dye, amedication, a lotion, a paint, and/or other composition that will beapplied to the treating surface. As described in more detail below, thecartridge assembly 102 may additionally include a die for dispensing thetreatment composition to one or more nozzles (and/or a nozzle array) forapplying the treatment composition to the treating surface.

FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of internal components of the device100 for modifying a treating surface, further illustrating the cartridgeassembly 102, according to embodiments disclosed herein. As illustrated,the device 100 may include rollers 202 (one or more), an image capturedevice 204, the cartridge assembly 102, computing hardware 206, adisplay 208 (one or more), and/or other components. Specifically, therollers 202 may be utilized as a lubricating mechanism for the device100 when pressed against the treating surface. Specifically, as pressureis applied by the device 100 to the treating surface, it becomes moredifficult for the device 100 to traverse along the treating surface. Therollers 202 may be utilized to alleviate this friction and allow thedevice 100 to more easily traverse the treating surface. The rollers arespaced apart from about 0.1 mm to about 10 mm, preferably from about 0.5mm to about 6 mm and even more preferably from about 0.7 mm to about 4mm. In alternative embodiments, the rollers may be coated to reducefriction (e.g. Teflon™, polyimide, parylene, etc.). The rollers may alsobe glides/gliding surfaces, sliding surfaces, balls, spheres, or flat orcontain holes (i.e., like a mesh or screen) which may also be coated toreduce friction. The rollers can also be made of low friction materialslike Teflon™.

Additionally, the device 100 includes an image capture device 204. Theimage capture device 204 may include an infrared sensor, a camera, a UVsensor, a spectrophotometer, and/or other similar device for providingthe desired functionality. Specifically, the image capture device 204may capture unwanted variations in the treating surface. The computinghardware 206, which may include a memory component, a processor, andlogic. The computing hardware 206 may recognize the unwanted variationin the treating surface and may then send a command to the cartridgeassembly 102 for dispensing the treatment composition. Also included arethe display 208, which may provide indications regarding power,remaining battery life, status of nozzles, status of reservoir, and/orother information.

FIG. 3 depicts another perspective view of internal components of thedevice 100, further illustrating the cartridge assembly 102, accordingto embodiments disclosed herein. As illustrated, the cartridge assembly102 is proximate to a pen driver 302, a bulge detector LED 304 andmirror 303, a tail illumination device 306, a power supply port 308, anda release mechanism 310, energy storage device 312, and wired orwireless connector 314. Mirror 303 may also be a prism, a diffractiongrating or similar structure that bends light. Alternatively, a lightguide (for example a fiber optic thread, wave guide, etc,) may be usedto transport the light beam to the minor.

Specifically, the pen driver 302 may be configured to facilitatecommunication with the computing hardware 206 for implementing thenozzles. The nozzles can be in a linear array configuration, multiplerows, off-set rows, sine wave, curved, circular, or saw tootharrangement. The bulge detector LED and minor 304 may be configured fordetecting three dimensional variations in the treating surface (such asa bulge, dent, or other variation). The light source for 304 can be alight emitting diode (LED), incandescent light, neon bulb based or anyother commercially available source of illumination. Light 304 can haveconstant illumination or adjustable illumination. The tail illuminationdevice 306 may be configured to provide an aesthetic light source to thetail of the device 100. The power supply port 308 may be configured tocouple with AC and/or DC power source for charging a battery of thedevice 100 (for battery powered embodiments). The release mechanism 310may be utilized to release the device 100 from a charging dock or othersimilar external component. The energy storage device 312 may be abattery, a rechargeable battery, an electrochemical capacitor, adouble-layer capacitor, a supercapacitor or a hybrid battery-capacitorsystem. The wired or wireless connector 314 provides communicationbetween computing hardware 206 and external computing hardware of theinternet, a user interface, or a display, via Bluetooth, WiFi, nearfieldcommunication (NFC), RFID, etc.

FIG. 4 depicts a side view of the device 100 in operation with thecartridge assembly 102 according to embodiments disclosed herein. Asillustrated, the device 100 may be applied to a treating surface 400,such that the rollers 202 a, 202 b are pressed against the treatingsurface 400. As such, when the device 100 is disposed substantiallyparallel to the treating surface, the image capture device 204 may bedisposed at an image capture device angle, such as about 70 degrees fromthe plane of the treating surface 400. Accordingly, the cartridgeassembly 102 may be disposed at a cartridge assembly angle toaccommodate for the image capture device 204. As illustrated, thecartridge assembly 102 may be disposed at an angle different than 90degrees, relative to the treating surface 400. As discussed below, thecartridge assembly 102 may additionally have at least one side that isnot 90 degrees relative to the other sides of the cartridge assembly102. The nozzle may have about an 85 degree angle relative to thetreating surface 400. Embodiments may have about a 25 degree anglebetween the image capture device 204 and nozzle center lines. Someembodiments may include about 6.5 mm by about 13 mm field of view.Additionally, some embodiments of the rollers 202 may be about 2.5 mm indiameter.

It should also be understood that when the device 100 is disposedsubstantially parallel to the treating surface 400, at least a portionof the cartridge assembly 102 may be disposed at an angle that isdifferent than the angle of the image capture device 204 (e.g., theimage capture angle is different than the cartridge assembly angle).Additionally, the at least a portion of the cartridge assembly 102 maybe disposed at an angle that is neither parallel nor perpendicular tothe treating surface 400.

Thus in operation, the image capture device 204 may capture an image ofan undesirable variation in the treating surface 400 illuminated bybulge detector LED and minor 304. The computing hardware 206 maycalculate an amount of treatment composition to apply (and/or number ofnozzle pulses) and a timing for applying the treatment composition to adesired area to strike that desired area. Computing hardware 206 mayinclude Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), controller,Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), integrated circuit,microcontroller, microprocessor, processor, and the like. The computinghardware may also include memory functionality, either internal to theCPU as cache memory, embedded memory, Random Access Memory (RAM), StaticRandom Access Memory (SRAM) and the like or external to the CPU forexample as Dynamic Random-Access Memory (DRAM), Read Only Memory (ROM),Static RAM, Flash Memory (e.g., Compact Flash or SmartMedia cards), diskdrives, Solid State Disk Drives (SSD), embedded memory, or even InternetCloud storage

FIGS. 5A-5E depict a plurality of side views of the cartridge assembly102 according to embodiments disclosed herein. As illustrated in FIG.5A, the cartridge assembly 102 may include a plurality of engagementrails 502 a, 502 b, 502 c, 502 d, 502 e, and 502 f (collectivelyreferred to as“engagement rails 502”), as well as a chip carrierassembly 504.

Included in the engagement rails 502 are primary engagement rails 502 a,502 b, 502 c, 502 d, and 502 e and auxiliary engagement rail 502 f.Specifically, the primary engagement rails 502 a-502 e may be configuredto couple with an interior portion of a cartridge housing in the device100 to provide a sliding engagement therewith. The auxiliary engagementrail 502 f may have a length that is shorter than the primary engagementrails 502 a-502 e, to facilitate proper insertion of the cartridgeassembly 102 into the cartridge housing, as described in more detailbelow. In alternative designs, the sliding engagement can be a snap-onengagement or a combination of both.

Additionally included is a connector 506, depicted in FIG. 5C. Asillustrated in FIG. 5C, the connector 506 may include one or moreelectrical contacts, which provide a communicative connection with thecomputing hardware 206 (FIG. 2) for receiving instructions on dispensingthe treatment composition from the chip carrier assembly 504 to thenozzles. Cleaning of the nozzles and other functionality may also beimplemented via the connector 506. As an example, the cartridge assembly102 may store information and the connector 506 may facilitatecommunication of that information to the device 100. Specifically, theconnector 506 may communicate one or more of the following: contents ofthe treatment composition, logic for implementation on the device 100,an expiration date of the treatment composition, logic instructions forchanging a setting on the device 100, etc. Connector 506 may alsotransmit electrical energy to provide power for energizing the nozzles.

FIG. 5E illustrates that the cartridge assembly 102 may be configuredwith an angled orientation, providing an angled cartridge assembly. Asdiscussed with regard to FIG. 4, the cartridge assembly 102 may beangled with regard to the treating surface 400. Accordingly, thecartridge assembly 102 may be shaped to accommodate this angledconfiguration. Specifically, the cartridge assembly 102 may include abase surface (depicted in FIG. 5E as the bottom surface) and adispensing surface (depicted in FIG. 5E as the top surface) that isdisposed at an angle that is different than 90 degrees from the othersurfaces of the otherwise substantially rectangular cartridge assembly102. The dispensing surface may be opposite the base surface and may bedisposed in a nonparallel configuration relative to the base surface.

Additionally, some embodiments may be configured with a substantiallyrectangular body portion of the cartridge assembly 102, with the chipcarrier assembly 504 having a carrier connection surface that is coupledto the body portion and a carrier dispensing surface opposite thecarrier connection surface. In these embodiments, the carrier dispensingsurface may be disposed in a nonparallel configuration relative to thecarrier connection surface. In some embodiments, both the body portionand the chip carrier are angled in the described manner.

FIGS. 6A, 6B depict a plurality of perspective views of the cartridgeassembly 102 illustrating a plurality of internal components, accordingto embodiments disclosed herein. Specifically, the cartridge assembly102 includes the chip carrier assembly 504, which includes a die 602.Die 602 may be configured from substrates, printed circuit boards,silicon, glass, machineable glass ceramic, sapphire, alumina, LiquidCrystal Polymer, polyimide and MEMS (MicroElectroMechanical Systems)devices. The cartridge assembly 102 also includes a reservoir 604 forstoring the treatment composition. The reservoir 604 may be lined withfoam 606 and/or other similar material. Also included is a plug 608 forsealing, filling, and/or draining the reservoir 604. The reservoir 604is in communication with the chip carrier assembly 504 and the nozzles.

Also depicted in FIG. 6A is an opening 610 in the reservoir 604 fordispensing the treatment composition via the die 602. While a pumpmechanism may be utilized for dispensing the treatment composition, someembodiments utilize gravity and position the cartridge assembly 102 inan inverted position, which allows the treatment composition tonaturally flow to the die 602. FIG. 6B further depicts the cartridgeassembly 102 and die 602 from a different perspective. Thermal ink jet,and piezoelectric ink jet may be utilized for dispensing the treatmentcomposition through die 602.

FIGS. 7A, 7B depict components of the chip carrier assembly 504 andcartridge assembly 102 according to embodiments disclosed herein. Asillustrated in FIG. 7A, the chip carrier assembly 504 includes aplurality of layers 702, 704, 796, 708, 710, which may be configured assubstrates, printed circuit boards, silicon, glass, machineable glassceramic, sapphire, alumina, Liquid Crystal Polymer, polyimide, and MEMS(MicroElectroMechanical Systems) devices. and/or other components, whichmay be flexible, rigid flex, and/or rigid. The chip carrier assembly 504may additionally include the die 602, which may include a plurality ofcomponents 712, 714, 716, 718, 729. These components may be secured tothe chip carrier assembly 504 and facilitate dispensment of thetreatment composition onto the treating surface 400 (FIG. 4).

FIG. 7B depicts the cartridge assembly 102, which may include a visualcue 722 for indicating a proper direction for insertion of the cartridgeassembly 102 into a cartridge housing. The visual cue 722 may include aprinted label, an engraving and/or other signifier of a direction forinserting the cartridge assembly 102 into the cartridge housing. A plug608 may also be included, as well as a washer 726, the foam 606, and thebody portion 730. The components of FIG. 7B may be assembled and coupledto the assembly from FIG. 7A to form the cartridge assembly 102. Visualcue 722 can also be placed on the cartridge assembly 802 or handleportion 106.FIGS. 8A-8E depict interaction of the cartridge assembly 102with a cartridge housing 802, according to embodiments disclosed herein.As illustrated in FIG. 8A, the cartridge assembly 102 may be configuredfor insertion into the cartridge housing 802. In order to ensure fullinsertion of the cartridge assembly 102 into the cartridge housing, thecartridge assembly 102 may include the primary engagement rails 502a-502 e, as well as the auxiliary engagement rail 502 f. The cartridgehousing 802 may include a securing rail 804 that is a predeterminedlength from a top portion 806 of the cartridge housing 802. The lengthbetween the securing rail and the top portion 806 may substantiallycorrespond with a length of the primary engagement rails 502 a-502 e (asmeasured from a top portion 806 of the cartridge assembly 102) to allowfor insertion of the cartridge assembly 102 into the cartridge housing808. Additionally, the cartridge housing 802 may include a blockingcomponent 810 (FIG. 8C) that extends from the securing rail 804 towardsthe top portion 806 of the cartridge housing 802. This blockingcomponent 810 is arranged to allow the cartridge assembly 102 to befully inserted into the cartridge housing 802 when properly alignedbecause the auxiliary engagement rail 502 f has a length that is shorterthan the length of the primary engagement rails 502 a-502 e, allowingthe cartridge assembly 102 to pass the blocking component 810 wheninserted into the cartridge housing 802.

Depicted in FIG. 8B is a locking key mechanism 812, which engages theauxiliary engagement rail 502 f to ensure that the cartridge assembly102 is properly inserted into the cartridge housing 802. Specifically,the locking key mechanism 812 may be configured to receive an electronicor physical marker from the cartridge assembly 102. If the marker isincorrect or missing, the cartridge housing 802 will indicate that thecartridge assembly 102 is not properly inserted. Locking key mechanismmay include a software lock using software codes to lock or unlock thecartridge assembly. The locking features can also be used to determineif counterfeit material or cartridges are being used.

As illustrated in FIG. 8C, the cartridge assembly 102 has been properlyinserted in to the cartridge housing 802. Accordingly, the auxiliaryengagement rail 502 f passes by the blocking component 810 to engagewith the locking key mechanism 812.

FIG. 8D illustrates that the cartridge assembly 102 being improperlyinserted into the cartridge housing 802. As a consequence, the primaryengagement rail 502 a will contact the blocking component 810, whichprevents full insertion into the cartridge housing 802. Additionally,the locking key mechanism 812 will not receive the marker from thecartridge assembly 102 to verify that the cartridge assembly 102 isproperly inserted. This is illustrated in FIG. 8E, where the primaryengagement rail 502 a contacts the blocking component 810.

It should be understood that while some embodiments utilize the primaryengagement rail 502 a-502 e and the auxiliary engagement rail 502 f,this is merely an example. Some embodiments may utilize a primaryengagement portion (one or more) and an auxiliary engagement portion(one or more) that extends from a surface of the cartridge assembly 102and provides similar function as the engagement rails 502. Theseengagement portions may not be shaped as depicted in the drawingsherein, but instead may be shaped as notches that extend from a surfaceof the cartridge assembly 102 and serve a similar function as theengagement rails 502. Accordingly, the auxiliary engagement portion maybe positioned closer to a first end of the cartridge assembly 102 (whichmay include an opposing first end and second end) than the primaryengagement portion. This allows the cartridge assembly 102 to pass theblocking component for full insertion into the cartridge housing 802.

It should also be understood that while the cartridge assembly 102 andcartridge housing 802 are depicted as residing in the device 100, thisis also an example. Other devices for dispensing a treating compositionmay utilize the cartridge assembly 102 and/or cartridge housing 802 asdescribed herein.

Additionally, some embodiments may be configured to utilize the angleddispensing surface for providing an authentication between the cartridgeassembly 102 and the cartridge housing 802. Specifically, the cartridgehousing 802 may be similarly shaped with the top portion 806 beingsimilarly angled to accommodate the cartridge assembly 102. Similarly,some embodiments may include an additional securing rail on thecartridge housing 802 to prevent insertion of non-angled cartridges intothe cartridge housing 802.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood asbeing strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead,unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean boththe recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding thatvalue. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean“about 40 mm.”

Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or relatedpatent or application, is hereby incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation ofany document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect toany invention disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in anycombination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests ordiscloses any such invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning ordefinition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning ordefinition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, themeaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shallgovern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated and described, it would be understood to those skilled inthe art that various other changes and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is thereforeintended to cover in the appended claims all such changes andmodifications that are within the scope of this invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device for modifying a treating surface,comprising: an image capture device for capturing an image of thetreating surface; a cartridge housing that is shaped to removably securea cartridge assembly to the device, the cartridge assembly comprising areservoir for storing a treatment composition and a body portion that iscoupled to the reservoir, wherein the body portion comprises a basesurface and a dispensing surface comprising an array of nozzles forapplying the treatment composition to the treating surface, wherein thedispensing surface is disposed opposite the base surface on thecartridge assembly; wherein a center line of the image capture device isneither parallel nor perpendicular to a center line of the array ofnozzles; and a removable spacer component configured to provide a bufferto the dispensing surface, wherein the spacer component comprises anopening.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the cartridge assemblycomprises a chip carrier assembly that facilitates dispensing atreatment composition onto the treating surface.
 3. The device of claim1, wherein the treatment composition is a cosmetic.
 4. The device ofclaim 1 further comprising a processor, wherein the cartridge assemblyfurther comprises a connector for communicatively coupling the cartridgeassembly and the processor for controlling dispensing of a treatmentcomposition, wherein the connector facilitates communication ofinformation related to the cartridge assembly to the device, and whereinthe information includes at least one of the following: contents of thetreatment composition, logic for implementation on the device, anexpiration date of the treatment composition, logic instructions forchanging a setting on the device, or remaining battery life.
 5. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the treatment surface is skin.
 6. The deviceof claim 1, wherein the center line of the image capture device and thecenter line of the array of nozzles pass through the opening.